Liquid handling laboratory automation system HistoCore SPECTRA

post-analyticalfor laboratory analyzersworkflow management

Product overview
The HistoCore SPECTRA workstation combines an automated H&E and special-stain slide stainer (ST) with an integrated high-throughput coverslipper (CV) and transfer unit to provide reproducible diagnostic staining from slide 1 up to 1,600 slides and rapid coverslip drying (as fast as 5 minutes). Dual robotic arms, color-coded racks, RFID-monitored consumables and an integrated hot-air oven reduce hands-on steps and support continuous workflows.

Key benefits

• Reproducible results: validated staining protocols and consumables for consistent H&E and special stains across batches and up to 1,600 slides per kit.
• Optimized throughput: up to 360 H&E slides/hour (ST) and up to 570 slides/hour dried and mounted (CV) with dual coverslip lines for continuous loading.
• Faster turnaround: built-in hot-air oven enables coverslip drying in ~5 minutes, shortening sample turnaround times.
• Lower manual workload: color-code rack auto-start, RFID consumable tracking and software-calculated bath layouts reduce operator interventions.
• Traceability: optional barcode reader and consumable tracking simplify slide tracking and LIS integration.

Stainer features

• Automated routine and special staining with dual robotic arms allowing parallel H&E and special-stain workflows.
• Up to 36 reagent cuvette stations and 6 water-flow cuvette stations; single-slide counting and RFID-monitored reagent management support cost control.
• Integrated slide baking/drying via hot-air oven; multiple racks can be processed concurrently, reducing need for external ovens.
• Color-coded rack technology for automatic protocol start and reduced operator errors; intuitive software for minimizing hands-on time.

Coverslipper features

• Dual independent glass coverslip lines for high continuous throughput and manual loading capability.
• Integrated hot-air drying delivering rapid drying times (approx. 5 minutes) to accelerate downstream handling.
• Reliable lay-down and push-method handling with validated ready-to-use consumables; glass-detection sensor removes broken coverslips to protect samples and operators.
• Large output capacity (9-rack drawer up to 270 slides) and support for multiple slide label types.

Consumables and staining systems

• Validated HistoCore SPECTRA H&E staining components (Hemalast, Hematoxylin, Differentiator, Bluing agent, Eosin) sized for up to 1,600 slides per kit; reagent bottles 380 mL.
• HistoCore SPECTRA CV X1 mounting medium: xylene-based, rapid-drying formulation with antioxidant properties; soluble in xylene/toluene and common substitutes.
• HistoCore SPECTRA CV coverglass cartridges (ready-to-use) to reduce handling, breakage and humidity exposure; cartridge-based loading streamlines CV operation.

Resources and media
Product brochures, technical data sheets, IFU and SDS documents are available as downloadable PDFs. Videos and 3D interactive models demonstrate workstation workflow and optional barcode-reader operation.

Technical specifications

• Stainer (HistoCore SPECTRA ST) dimensions (hood closed W x D x H): 135.4 x 78.5 x 61.5 cm; open: 135.4 x 78.5 x 106 cm.
• Stainer weight (empty): 165 kg; approximate weight with reagents: 215 kg. Nominal supply voltages: 100–240 V. Certifications: CE, c-CSA-us.
• Stainer throughput: up to 360 H&E slides/hour. Slide rack capacity: 30 (5-slide rack option for special stains). Reagent cuvette stations: 36; cuvette volume: 380 mL; water-flow stations: 6.
• Coverslipper (HistoCore SPECTRA CV) dimensions (hood closed W x D x H): 69 x 78.5 x 61.5 cm; open: 69 x 78.5 x 106 cm. CV weight (empty): 115 kg. Nominal supply voltages: 100–240 V AC +10%.
• CV throughput: up to 570 slides/hour. Supported specimen slides: DIN ISO 8037/1 (76 x 26 mm). Coverslip cartridge: 300 coverslips/cartridge; coverslip size: 24 x 50 mm. Output drawer: 9 racks = 270 slides.
• H&E system capacity: up to 1,600 slides per validated kit. On-stainer reagent expiry: 7 days (product dependent). Consumable packs and cartridge counts per system available in product documentation.